Suspects Who Vandalized Highlands Ranch Neighborhood May Be Teens

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HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4) – Police in Douglas County are searching for vandals who spray painted homes and cars in a Highlands Ranch neighborhood.

A total of 16 cars and several homes were targeted last Friday. The vandals wrote obscenities and phrases like “Weed For Sale.”

The Douglas County Sheriff’s office told CBS4 the vandalism is the latest in a crime wave that has been going on for several months and has stretched from Parker to Highlands Ranch.

“They were not only spray painting, they were also stealing stuff out of the cars,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Deborah Sherman. “Finding these kids is a high priority and we’ve stepped up patrols across the area. And we really do need people to call us.”

After several eyewitness accounts, teenagers are believed to be the culprits.

“It was senseless. I don’t know what jollies they got out of it,” said resident Neil Witoff.

Witoff told CBS4 a deputy rang his doorbell at 3 a.m. to show him the graffiti that the suspects painted on his garage.

Resident Amy Smith said she spent the weekend scrubbing spray paint off her car.

“It’s not acceptable and it’s kids not thinking about how it’s going to affect other people,” she said.

Authorities suggested residents avoid being a victim by parking in a well lit place and making sure to lock car doors.